Activists Warn Thai Government Over Mega Projects

Activists warn government over mega projects

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Chiang Mai

Environmental activists and health academics are urging the government to focus on compliance with environmental measures under Article 67(2) of the Constitution, which requires a health impact assessment (HIA) for industrial activities that may harm the environment, natural resources and people's health.

The comments came after the upcoming governmentannounced policies to build megaprojects to boost the economy and invite foreign investors to contribute to industrial projects in the Kingdom.

"The government should balance between growth of the economy and people's wellbeing if it wants to go ahead with its plan to boost the economy upcountry," said Watcharaporn Wattanakham of Loei province's Foundation for Sustainable Development and Conservation, which campaigns for health and environmental protection from gold mining.

She was speaking at an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Health Assembly, organised by the National Health Office in Chiang Mai.

"The investors want to use their money to create profits by digging mountains for gold, but local people think the mountains are their soul and the root of their culture. How will the government balance these two concerns?" she asked.

More than 60,000 rai (9,600 hectares) of mountain land in Loei is being used for gold mining.

"The industries are chasing local resources very aggressively. We cannot escape from our land, we have to handle the situation. If not, our community will collapse," Watcharaporn said.

Meanwhile, Prasitchai Nunuan of Community and Wellbeing Development for Southern Provinces said the government and politicians must listen to community demands over industry and megaprojects in local areas.

Community health impact assessments are another social tool to raise communities' concerns over the harmful impact of industry and megaprojects, he added.

In the South, Nakhon Si Thammarat is facing environmental issues caused by the petrochemical industry, which is using more than 20,000 rai of land.

"We need mechanisms that use knowledge to seek fair resolutions for every stakeholder and development," he said.

Healthy Public Policy Foundation manager Dejjarat Sukkhamnerd suggested communities could produce their own HIA reports and submit them to the government for it to decide on whether to proceed with projects.

-- The Nation 2011-07-09